Vaseline is a staple item in many people’s bathroom cupboards. It’s useful for so many things, but have you ever thought of using it on your cat? Is it even safe for cats? What exactly could you use it for?
Vaseline is not considered toxic for cats as long as it’s ingested in small doses. It has even been used for the treatment of hairballs.
However, there are definitely a few risks that depend on how much your cat ingests and your cat’s current health. Here, we discuss the risks of Vaseline and how much is safe to give your cat.
A Little About Vaseline
Vaseline is petroleum jelly, sometimes called petrolatum, and is made with a mix of waxes and mineral oils.
It was discovered by American chemist Robert Chesebrough in 1859 when he was visiting an oil field. The oil pumps had a residue called “rod wax” that needed to be occasionally removed, and the workers used this “wax” to treat their burns and cuts.
Chesebrough, being a chemist, started experimenting with the substance and eventually extracted and purified it and gave the world his “Wonder Jelly,” which he trademarked as Vaseline. Interestingly, Chesebrough ingested a spoonful of Vaseline every day until he died at the ripe old age of 96!
Vaseline is known for its many benefits:
- Heals minor burns and cuts
- Might reduce crow’s feet and remove eye makeup
- Moisturizes pet’s paw pads
- Can be used to lubricate squeaky doors or rings stuck on fingers
- Prevents diaper rash
- Moisturizes face, hands, and body
- Prevents skin stains when dyeing hair or putting on nail polish
- Helps with split ends in hair and adds shine
Vaseline can benefit us and our pets in several ways, but what are the potential negative side effects?
Cats and Vaseline
Now that you know where Vaseline comes from, it can give you an idea of why it might be unsafe. Petroleum jelly was initially removed from machinery, and petroleum products in general also include gasoline and crude oil.
That said, the petroleum found in petroleum jelly is safe for both human and pet use. It doesn’t contain any cancer-causing substances because it has been triple-purified. It acts as an occlusive substance that forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface, and is not absorbed into the skin.
Therefore, it is safe to put on a cat’s skin or pads, and small amounts ingested are not toxic. But similar to how it isn’t absorbed through the skin, the digestive tract will also not absorb Vaseline. The petroleum jelly will form a layer along the digestive tract and on hairballs.
A Little About Hairballs
If you own a cat, you’re probably familiar with hairballs. They tend to be prolific in the spring and fall, when cats start to shed more heavily and ingest more fur. Hairballs may be year-round in some households!
Most fur passes through the digestive system and is eliminated in the poop without any issues. Hairballs form when the digestive system is unable to move the ingested hair out of the stomach and intestines properly through the feces.
Motility issues, or the movement of the hair through the digestive system, are what causes problems most of the time. There are illnesses that can slow down digestion, such as hyperthyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as other gastrointestinal problems, like gastroenteritis.
Vaseline and Hairballs
Most cats throw up hairballs on occasion, which is perfectly normal, but there are supplements to help prevent them. Most of these contain petroleum jelly and flavors to make them more palatable for cats. They work to help move the hair through the cat’s digestive system.
Some veterinarians recommend using one of these supplements. If you are considering using Vaseline to help with hairballs, it’s best to discuss this with your vet to see if that might be the best option for your cat.
Problems With Vaseline
While Vaseline can be effective for hairballs and even with constipation, there are a few risks that you need to be aware of.
Danger of Aspiration
Vaseline is petroleum jelly, which is a blend of mineral oils and waxes. Mineral oil on its own has the risk of cats inhaling it, which can cause aspiration pneumonia and fatal lung toxicity.
There isn’t a strong chance of this occurring, but it’s safest to keep Vaseline away from your cat’s face, particularly around their nose, where there’s a stronger risk of them inhaling it.
You should never force your cat to eat Vaseline, as this will increase the risk of them accidentally inhaling it. If your cat does breathe it in, it can get into the lungs, and the danger of pneumonia will become more likely.
Water and Nutrient Loss
What helps move the hairballs along can also prevent the digestive tract from absorbing water and nutrients. This can eventually cause stomach issues like diarrhea and dehydration. The lack of nutrients can also eventually lead to health complications.
A healthy cat should be fine with ingesting a small amount of Vaseline But if your cat already has underlying health issues and is regularly consuming Vaseline, this can lead to further health problems.
Speak to your veterinarian before you consider giving your cat Vaseline as a home remedy. Their problem with hairballs might be related to an underlying health issue that will need to be addressed by your vet. You don’t want to contribute to further health problems.
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Conclusion
Vaseline can provide many benefits for cats, including a remedy for hairballs. But before you take it upon yourself and give your kitty Vaseline, make sure to speak with your veterinarian to see if this is the best option available. Keeping your feline friend happy and healthy is key!
Featured Image Credit: JenJ_Payless, Shutterstock
